chuck Buying your first tools?
Start with the jobs you want to do. Build a useful kit gradually, without paying for tools that stay in the box.
Build your first toolkit KNOW YOUR TOOLS
Good projects
start with the
right tools.
Cut through the specs, skip the guesswork.
Practical comparisons and honest buying advice
for your next build.
Clear advice. Useful detail. No manufacturer hype.
THE WORKSHOP / NO. 001
A little knowledge.
A better tool for the job.MAKE
IT COUNT.
A little knowledge.A better tool for the job.MAKE
IT COUNT.
A GOOD START BEATS A FULL TOOLBOX
Where are you starting?
A first purchase, a new workspace, or a system you already own. Find advice that meets you there.
Making room to make?
Get the basics of measuring, marking and holding work steady before choosing the next power tool.
Get to grips with workholdingAlready own a battery?
Look at the exact platform, the tools you will need next, and the complete cost of staying in one system.
Understand cordless systemsSTART WITH THE JOB
What's on your workbench?
01 
Cordless drills
Drill drivers, combi drills and a clearer route to your first cordless tool.
02Saws
Choose the cutting approach before comparing blades, power and portability.
03Sanders
Match the sanding action, abrasive and dust control to the finish you want.
04Hand tools
Measuring, marking, gripping and fastening tools that earn their space.
05Battery platforms
Understand cordless ecosystems before committing to your next tool.
06Accessories
Bits, blades, abrasives and attachments matched to the tool and material.
START WITH SOMETHING YOU WANT TO DO
A project gives
the toolkit a purpose.
Turn a job into a considered plan. Find out what needs checking, what the tools are for, and which guides to read before you begin.
All project plans →01020304
Plan a shelf that belongs there.
Start with the wall, the things you want to store and the shelf system before choosing a drill or buying fixings.
Plan the room before the first coat.
Understand the surface, choose a suitable paint system and make preparation part of your decorating plan.
Make a plan for your patch.
Break a garden tidy-up into real tasks before choosing hand tools, cordless equipment or a new battery system.
Give the next job a place to happen.
Plan a small DIY workspace around the material, support, storage and access your projects actually need.
THE BIG COMPARISON
Same job.
Different tools.
A drill driver and an impact driver might look alike. Knowing what sets them apart can save you a lot of frustration.
Drill driver vs impact driver Explore the comparison library →01 / DRILL DRIVERA controlled
VSA controlled
all-rounder.
Drilling holes.
Adjustable clutch.
Everyday versatility.
02 / IMPACT DRIVERMade for
Made for
driving screws.
Rotational impacts.
Hex bit holder.
Demanding fixings.
FROM THE KNOWLEDGE BASE
A bit of know-how goes a long way.
Measuring and marking: make the line count
Choose a useful reference edge, understand what your measuring tools tell you and mark a job clearly before cutting or fixing.
Read the guide →Sandpaper grit explained: choosing an abrasive for the job
Understand coarse and fine abrasives, avoid sanding more than you need, and choose paper that suits the surface and finish.
Read the guide →Screws, wall plugs and fixings: start with the wall
Understand why the surface, backing material and intended load matter more than choosing a fixing by appearance.
Read the guide →Choosing what to buy?Our buying guides explain what to look for before you spend. →
NO NEED TO NOD ALONG
What's a countersink, anyway?
Tool advice is easier to use when the words make sense. Look up 422 DIY definitions, from abrasives and ampere-hours to workholding and wall plugs.
Open the A–Z glossary Or start with a common question →OUR APPROACH
Useful advice shows its workings.
01 / THE RIGHT QUESTION
The job comes first.
We explain what a tool is good at, where its limits matter, and which questions to ask before buying.
02 / THE EVIDENCE
Clear about what we know.
Our launch content is educational and research-based. We distinguish that from hands-on tests and verified product measurements.
03 / THE WHOLE PURCHASE
Look beyond the bare tool.
Batteries, chargers, accessories and the work ahead all belong in a buying decision. A headline number is only part of the picture.